Cost-Effective Hybrid RANS-NLES Method for Jet Turbulence and Noise Prediction

Jets at higher Reynolds numbers have a high concentration of energy in the small scales in the nozzle vicinity. This is challenging for LES, potentially placing severe demands on grid density. To circumvent this, we propose a novel procedure based on well known Reynolds number (Re) independence of jets. We reduce the jet Re whilst rescaling the boundary layer properties to maintain incoming boundary layer thickness consistent with high Re jet. The simulations are carried out using hybrid largeeddy simulation type of approach which is incorporated by using near wall turbulence model with modified properties. No Subgrid Scale (SGS) model is used in these simulations. Hence, they effectively become Numerical Large Eddy Simulation (NLES) with Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) covering the full boundary layer region. The noise post processing is carried out using Ffowcs-Williams-Hawking (FWH) approach. The simulations are made for Mach numbers (M) of 0.75 and 0.875. The results for Overall Sound Pressure Level (OASPL) are observed to be within 2–3% accuracy range and directivity of sound is also captured accurately for both the cases. The low Re simulations hence, can be more beneficial in saving time and cost of the simulation while providing reasonably accurate results.